Chennai: Minister Nirmal Kumar on Wednesday said there is no change in TAVEK’s stand on the proposed constituency delimitation exercise, stating that its impact would be felt largely by the southern states.
Speaking to reporters after the southern states’ chief ministers’ conference in Chennai concluded, he said the meeting discussed the issues and requirements of each state. He cited needs related to electricity and vehicles, and added that the next meeting could be held in Telangana.
Reiterating his party’s position, the minister said the Lok Sabha should continue with 543 MPs and Tamil Nadu should retain 39 MPs. He maintained that TAVEK’s stance on delimitation remains firm.
On inter-state water disputes, Nirmal Kumar said the Cauvery issue is already pending before the Supreme Court and therefore it would not be appropriate to take it up at the conference. He added that no discussion was held on Cauvery.
He also referred to the Mullaperiyar dam, saying the Supreme Court has, based on multiple inspections, stated that the existing dam is stable. While Kerala may prefer building a new dam, he said there is no change in the view that the current structure is sound.
